Is Hypertension an Adult Disease? ... "No! Don't Be Complacent Even in Childhood and Adolescence"

On the 17th, World Hypertension Day, prevalence rises due to increasing pediatric and adolescent obesity population

Blood pressure measurement scene. [Source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] The 17th of this month is designated as "World Hypertension Day" by the World Hypertension League to raise awareness about hypertension and promote disease prevention.

Hypertension often has no obvious symptoms, so it is important to regularly measure blood pressure to check your condition and seek immediate treatment and management if abnormalities are detected.

Hypertension is commonly known as a representative adult disease that occurs more frequently with age, and in fact, the prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents is only about 1?3%. However, with the recent increase in the obese pediatric and adolescent population, the number of hypertension patients is also on the rise, so young age does not guarantee safety from hypertension.

According to the 2019 Student Health Examination Sample Statistics released by the Ministry of Education, the rate of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents is 25.8%, and it has been increasing every year over the past five years. It is known that 80% of obese children and adolescents remain obese into adulthood, and they have a very high risk of developing complications such as hypertension and diabetes.

In the past, pediatric and adolescent hypertension was mostly secondary hypertension caused by underlying diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, and chronic kidney disease that raise blood pressure. However, with socioeconomic development and changes in nutritional conditions, primary hypertension related to obesity in children and adolescents is increasing.

Primary hypertension, also called essential hypertension, accounts for more than 90% of hypertension cases. It is known to be influenced by risk factors such as obesity, high salt intake, smoking, stress, and having family members with hypertension, without any specific underlying cause.

Dr. Cheolam Kim, Head of Pediatrics at Daedong Hospital, advises, “If both parents have hypertension, more than 46% of their children develop hypertension, and the incidence is relatively high even if there is a family history of hypertension, so special attention is needed. Since hypertension often has no early symptoms and is frequently diagnosed after complications occur, children and adolescents with risk factors or elevated blood pressure should regularly measure and manage their blood pressure.”

Blood pressure is the quantified pressure exerted by blood pumped by the heart on the arterial walls. When the heart contracts and pumps blood, it is called systolic blood pressure (the highest pressure), and when the heart relaxes and rests, it is called diastolic blood pressure (the lowest pressure).

Generally, for adults in Korea, hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. However, for children and adolescents, normal blood pressure is defined as below the 90th percentile for children of the same sex and age. Blood pressure between the 90th and 95th percentile, or even lower but above 120/80 mmHg, is considered prehypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is classified as blood pressure between the 95th and 99th percentile plus 5 mmHg, and stage 2 hypertension is above the 99th percentile plus 5 mmHg.

If diagnosed with prehypertension, lifestyle improvements such as weight loss, physical activity, and dietary changes are necessary, and blood pressure should be measured every six months. For stage 1 hypertension, tests for causes and complications are conducted. If it is primary hypertension, lifestyle improvements are implemented, while secondary hypertension caused by specific diseases is treated according to the underlying condition. For stage 2 hypertension, after cause investigation, lifestyle improvements and medication treatment are conducted simultaneously.

Dr. Byungsoo Kim, Head of the Cardiovascular Center at Daedong Hospital (specialist in cardiology), emphasizes, “Once hypertension develops, it is essential to improve daily habits. In particular, managing weight to maintain an appropriate body weight, eating less salty food, engaging in regular exercise, and reducing stress are important. Additionally, the recent surge in adolescent smoking and drinking can worsen hypertension, so quitting smoking and alcohol consumption is essential.”

Even before the age of three, if there is a history of ▲hereditary kidney disease in the family, ▲premature birth, ▲admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, ▲congenital heart disease, ▲recurrent urinary tract infections, hematuria, or proteinuria, ▲organ transplantation, ▲diagnosis of malignant tumors, or ▲use of medications that raise blood pressure, regular blood pressure monitoring and management are necessary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.